Chuck Schumer: “It is not the major gun dealers who are seeking the shield of bankruptcy; it is the companies, sometimes small, often…”

“It is not the major gun dealers who are seeking the shield of bankruptcy; it is the companies, sometimes small, often nasty, that have sought this. Look at the so-called ring of fire, gun manufacturers around the city of Los Angeles that manufacture cheap handguns, who know darn well that those handguns are often ending up in the hands of young people who shouldn't have them. They are the people against whom the Senator from Michigan so wisely is seeking to allow the court process to continue. It would be the height of special interest folly if we allowed dealers to escape the punishment meted out by a civil court through a bankruptcy loophole that was never intended to allow people to evade justice. This amendment is about justice, pure and simple. It doesn't preordain what the courts will decide, but it clearly states that if the court should decide a gun manufacturer or a gun dealer was reckless, was negligent, then they can be held accountable. If we don't pass it, it is another in a long line of sops to the gun lobby in which this Chamber has unfortunately participated over the last several years. I hope this body has the courage to stand tall and pass an amendment that we all know is right.”